The United States men's national soccer team defeated Peru 4-1 in a friendly international at Orlando's Inter&Co Stadium on Saturday, with goals from newcomers Justin Ellis and Julian Hall (referred to as Justin Hall by one outlet) leading the way. The Guardian also credited a goal to Zavier Gozo, while CBS Sports reported Malik Tillman scored alongside Ellis and Hall.
Coach Mauricio Pochettino gave 11 players their international debuts in the match, according to multiple outlets. Among them was 16-year-old Philadelphia Union midfielder Cavan Sullivan, whose start made him the youngest player to appear for the national team in over two decades, according to The Guardian.
Yahoo Sports reported that the starting lineup also included 18-year-old New England Revolution player Peyton Miller and 19-year-old Orlando City striker Justin Ellis, and that the team featured seven changes from the side that lost 4-1 to Belgium in the 2026 World Cup's round of 16 in July, according to Yahoo Sports and Fox Sports.
The match marked the US team's first game since the 2026 World Cup, according to Fox Sports, and was described by The Guardian as the first step of the team's 2030 World Cup cycle.
How each side covered it
Left
- The Guardian highlighted 11 debuts and Cavan Sullivan's record as the youngest US player in over two decades.
- Coverage framed the match as the first step toward the 2030 World Cup cycle.
- Goals were attributed to Justin Ellis, Zavier Gozo and Justin Hall.
“USA thrash Peru as teenage newcomers shine in first step toward 2030” — The Guardian
Center
- Yahoo Sports and CBS Sports both credited goals to Justin Ellis and Julian Hall, with CBS Sports adding Malik Tillman.
- Center outlets noted Mauricio Pochettino handed 11 players their debuts.
- Yahoo Sports detailed the ages of several debutants, including 16-year-old Cavan Sullivan and 18-year-old Peyton Miller.
- Yahoo Sports noted the lineup had seven changes from the team that lost to Belgium in the World Cup.
“Smells like teen spirit as US thrash Peru 4-1” — Yahoo Sports
Right
- Fox Sports framed the match as the team's return to action following the 2026 World Cup.
- Coverage emphasized strong performances from younger players in the 4-1 rout.
“The Kids Are Alright: 4 Takeaways As Youngsters Shine In USA's Return To Action” — Fox Sports
Questions readers ask
What happened in the USA vs Peru match?
The United States men's national soccer team defeated Peru 4-1 in a friendly international at Orlando's Inter&Co Stadium on Saturday, with a lineup featuring several teenage debutants under coach Mauricio Pochettino.
Who scored for the United States against Peru?
Justin Ellis and Julian Hall scored goals according to multiple outlets. The Guardian additionally credited Zavier Gozo, while CBS Sports reported Malik Tillman also scored, so sources disagree on the full list of scorers.
Who is Cavan Sullivan?
Cavan Sullivan is a 16-year-old Philadelphia Union midfielder who started for the US men's national team in this match. According to The Guardian, his appearance made him the youngest player to feature for the national team in over two decades.
Why does this match matter for the US national team?
The Guardian described the game as the first step in the team's 2030 World Cup cycle, while Fox Sports noted it was the team's first match since the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where the US lost to Belgium in the round of 16.
Sources · 5 outlet reports
- The GuardianLeft-leaningMeet the USMNT’s next generation: a cheat sheet for 12 new players in camp
- CBS SportsCenterUSMNT start new era under Mauricio Pochettino with 4-1 rout of Peru behind Justin Ellis, Julian Hall goals
- The Wall Street JournalCenterThe 16-Year-Old Sensation Shaking Up American Soccer
- Yahoo SportsCenterUSA thrash Peru as teenage newcomers shine in first step toward 2030
- Fox SportsRight-leaningCavan Sullivan Makes USA Debut At Age 16, Youngest Since Freddy Adu